Resilience to these challenges is essential for the future viability of dairy farm businesses. With this in mind, the upcoming Teagasc National Dairy Conference is set to examine ways to build more resilience into our dairy farming systems for the longer term.
The Teagasc National Dairy Conference, taking place on Wednesday, 25 November, at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Little Island, County Cork, will provide the opportunity for all involved in the sector to discuss the issues that are currently facing Irish milk producers, and to develop pathways for adapting their businesses to overcome them.
Leading farmers, industry representatives, researchers and dairy advisers will share their insights and practical learning with the conference attendees. The conference agenda will examine the key factors influencing farm resilience, from financial performance and international dairy markets to grassland management, breeding, nutrition and labour efficiency.
The opening session of the conference, ‘Dairy farm resilience; are we moving in the right direction?’, will be moderated by Grainne Hurley, Teagasc Cork West Regional Manager. Speakers will include Michael Harte, CEO of Dairygold Co-Operative, who will provide a milk processor perspective on supporting farm resilience; Professor Laurence Shalloo of Teagasc, who will explore the farm key performance indicators (KPIs) that drive long-term resilience; and John Lancaster of StoneX, who will provide an update on international dairy market trends.
The second session, ‘Farming in challenging years: building contingency into our systems’, will examine how farmers can prepare for weather and milk price uncertainty and develop more adaptable farming systems. For example, how should farms adapt to variable mid-season pasture growth? What are the best-value options for building feed reserves? Moderated by Dr. Deirdre Hennessy of University College Cork, the session will feature contributions from John McAuliffe, a dairy farmer from Kiskeam, County Cork; Matt Pilkington, a grass-focused dairy farmer from the UK; and Mark Treacy, Teagasc Dairy Specialist based in Clonakilty.
In the afternoon, there will be six interactive workshops offering practical insights on key management issues. Attendees will have the opportunity to select three of the six workshops, tailoring content and discussion to their own needs.
1. EBI: Proven technology breeding the cow of the future
Facilitated by Stuart Childs, Teagasc Dairy Specialist, with contributions from Kevin Downing, Dan O’Riordan and Margaret Kelleher of the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF).
2. Best practice in farmyard design
Facilitated by Patrick Gowing, Teagasc Dairy Specialist; Seamus Nolan, Teagasc Schemes Support Specialist; and John Moriarty, Teagasc.
3. Troubleshooting dry cow nutrition for a better calving season
Facilitated by Dr. Aisling Claffey, Teagasc Ruminant Nutritionist, with contributions from farmer Fachtna Collins, Co. Cork, and Maresa Sheehan, Veterinary Research Officer with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) Regional Veterinary Laboratory.
4. Is 14 tonnes DM grass grown still a realistic target?
Facilitated by the Grass10 team and Professor Michael O’Donovan, Teagasc.
5. Matching people and rostering to farm workload – getting the balance right
Facilitated by Martina Gormley, Teagasc Dairy Specialist, and Liz Duffy, Teagasc Advisor.
6. Using key financial metrics to improve farm profit
Facilitated by James Dunne, Teagasc Dairy Specialist, and Adrian O’Callaghan, Teagasc Advisor, with a farmer perspective from David O’Leary, Co. Cork, a member of the 3C South of Lee Discussion Group.
Register now for the Teagasc National Dairy Conference 2026 and join us in exploring how to develop resilient dairy farming systems for the future.
Visit https://teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/events/ to register.
